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ASHLAND Ashland's bike swap draws cyclists of all stripes Annual bike swap draws cyclists of all stripes Comment By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Apr. 16, 2016 at 4:18 PM By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Apr. 16, 2016 at 4:18 PM » Social News Of the more than 300 bikes that filled The Grove in Ashland Saturday afternoon, most were spoken for within an hour. Dozens of cyclists were lined up before the 26th annual Ashland Community Bike Swap opened its gate doors at noon, and by 1 p.m., only about 50 bikes had yet to be claimed. "All these racks were full this morning," recreation superintendent Rachel Dials said. The more than 400 bargain bike hunters ranged from college students to retired cyclists to young families helping their children pick a first bike. Five-year-old Aziza Preskinis found a bike with pink accents and "Girl Talk" on the side. Parents Cassie and Jay Preskinis said Aziza had taken several test rides in a designated area at the swap meet, and Cassie was pretty sure they'd be taking the bike home. Among first-time swapgoers was Chris Donchin of Ashland, who looked past the multi-geared mountain and road bikes seeking something simple with a foot brake. A canary blue, vintage Schwinn cruiser equipped with electric horn, electric light, streamers and whitewall tires caught her eye. "I'm an old-fashioned person," Donchin said. "I think this could be the one." Donchin said the three-speed bike reminded her of the bikes that were popular when she was a child growing up in the 1950s. After putting the bike through its paces at the test ride area, Donchin received compliments before making her way to the checkout area. "It'll be fun to ride this around town," Donchin said. Dials said the annual event funds bike safety education programs in Ashland schools through admission and a 20 percent cut of each bike sold. Because the city of Ashland is involved in the sale, organizers fill out paperwork ensuring bikes sold are safe to ride. About 50 volunteers, many with bike shop experience, inspected and appraised the bikes, processed paperwork for sellers so they could be paid in a timely fashion, and helped to fit the bikes to their new riders. Accepting credit and debit cards for the bike sale simplifies the process for buyer and seller, according to Dials. This was the second year plastic was accepted at checkout. "Before it was just checks and cash," Dials said. "It's so much easier to do credit cards." Among volunteers was Jen Zumwalt of Ashland, who sat with the Rogue Bicycle shop, one of three bike shop tents selling helmets, handlebar grips and other accessories. Zumwalt said she attended the swap because she's involved in a group that plays bike polo in Ashland. Zumwalt and Tom Bunter, also of Ashland, are helping organize the city's first bike polo tournament, tentatively scheduled for August. "I was warmly welcomed in the polo community," Zumwalt said. Rogue Bicycle shop owner Eric Michener has been organizing bike polo games from 6 to 11 p.m. Mondays at Hunter Park for about two years, although he said they've played "under the radar" for about six years. Michener has a Rogue Valley Bike Polo group on Facebook. His enthusiasm stems from the fast-paced nature of the game and a team spirit that attracts a different kind of crowd. "I've never really been a team-sports kind of guy," Michener said. Reach reporter Nick Morgan at 541-776-4471 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @MTCrimeBeat. By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat MailTribune.com By Nick Morgan Mail Tribune Follow @@mtcrimebeat Posted Apr. 16, 2016 at 4:18 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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